BEAUMONT, Texas — Pool season is just around the corner, but with it comes dangers.
A Beaumont woman is hoping her unique certification will help save lives.
Megan Pounders is working on her certification to become an Infant Swimming Instructor. She will get her certification after a seven week course through Infant Swimming Resources or ISR.
ISR specializes in infant swimming survival. The lessons teach infants, toddlers and young children that if they fall in the water to flip and float until help arrives.
Megan will be taught by a master instructor from Argentina. The classes will start mid-July and run for seven weeks. During that time Megan will be learning from the instructor and gaining the knowledge she needs to save lives.
Pounders says these skills are great, but it is still important to take extra precautions.
“It teaches them that if they are physically able to get to the water then they can develop the skills to save their own life," Pounders said.
From January to March 2019, there have been 8 child drownings in the state, with none of those in Southeast Texas.
However, 2018 saw three child drownings in Southeast Texas. Two children drowned in Jefferson County and one in Jasper County. Each of the children were two years old or younger. In total, 91 children drown in Texas in 2018.
When this unfortunate event occurs, Child Protective Services has to get involved.
“Drownings are accidental and parents didn’t mean to take their eyes off the child. They didn't do it on purpose, but it is still a form of neglectful supervision," said Shari Pulliam with Child Protective Services.
Once that happens, CPS will have to work with local law enforcement on the case.
If you wish to learn more about the Infant Swimming Resources or get in contact with ISR Beaumont, you can check out ISR’s website or go to ISR Beaumont's Facebook page.